Dash & Dine 5K
May 5, 12 & 19
Dash & Dine 5K returns to the Boulder Reservoir for a spring evening race series with a strong local following. The out-and-back course, post-race dinner, and relaxed lawn hangout make for a perfect Tuesday night. For more information and to register, visit DashNDine5K.com
Amanda Pascali
May 9
Amanda Pascali brings her bilingual mix of Southern Italian and American Southern music to Chautauqua Community House this May. She will perform as a duo with multi-instrumentalist Addison Freeman. For tickets and more information, visit AmandaPascali.com.
MahlerFest 39
May 13-17
MahlerFest 39 returns with a theme centered on reinvention and the ways change can shape creative work. This year’s festival explores the personal and artistic turning points that influenced composers such as Gustav Mahler, while offering performances, educational events, and social activities that invite audiences into the experience. For tickets and more information, visit MahlerFest.org
Firefly Handmade Spring Market
May 16-17
Firefly Handmade’s Spring Market returns to Pearl Street for a weekend of thoughtful shopping and seasonal inspiration. The market brings together a curated mix of local makers, artists, and small businesses, with handcrafted goods, unique finds, and plenty of ways to support creative talent from Colorado and beyond.
Indigo Girls
May 19-20
Indigo Girls bring four decades of music, activism, and unmistakable harmonies to Boulder for a two-night run. Known for songs that have lasted across generations and live shows that feel more like communal sing-alongs, the duo remains as powerful and resonant as ever. For more information and tickets, go to Chautauqua.com.
Boulder Creek Festival
May 22-25
Boulder Creek Festival returns Memorial Day weekend with four days of live music, local vendors, food, art, and community celebration along the creek. A longtime local tradition, the festival brings plenty of energy to downtown Boulder while offering something for just about everyone. For more information, visit BoulderCreekFest.com
VIVA Theater Illuminates A Hidden Star with Silent Sky
May 22-June 7
VIVA Theater presents a luminous production of Silent Sky by acclaimed playwright Lauren Gunderson, running May 22 through June 7 at the Dairy Arts Center. The play tells the true story of Henrietta Leavitt and her team of female astronomers at the Harvard Observatory in the early 20th century. Despite limited recognition, Leavitt transformed our understanding of the universe. Blending humor, music, and math, this production celebrates the profound mysteries of the stars. For more information, visit TheDairy.org.
BolderBoulder
May 25
BOLDERBoulder returns on Memorial Day with one of the city’s most iconic annual traditions. Known for its spirited course, community energy, and festive finish, the race draws runners, walkers, and spectators alike for a morning that feels distinctly Boulder. For more information, visit BolderBoulder.com
Ballet in the Park
May 30-31
Boulder Ballet brings dance to the Boulder Bandshell for a spring weekend performance in the park. Set outdoors and open to the community, it is a chance to enjoy live ballet in a relaxed Boulder setting.
Twelfth Night
May 31
Colorado Shakespeare Festival opens Twelfth Night at the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre with one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies. Shipwreck, mistaken identity, and romantic chaos set the stage for a lively night of wit, confusion, and classic summer theater under the stars. For tickets and more information, visit CUPresents.org.